BEST MARLEY
Marley is a problematic role because the verbatim dialogue from the book lends itself to ham. Key moments are the random screaming and the mouth drop, which are usually handled quite clumsily. This is why I’m ranking the more unorthodox interpretations of the character highly. If I were casting the role, it would be Ben Mendelsohn
10. GARY OLDMAN
A Christmas Carol (2009)
Once again, the animation doesn’t help, but the performance is surprisingly good because maybe Gary Oldmand really is that awesome. He still deserves so much better. Perhaps he should play Scrooge someday. Unfortunately, this performance is completely ruined by a particularly goofy and time-consuming interpretation of the mouth drop. The outside conclusion of the scene is ridiculously over-the-top (“I wISh i CouLd hElP You!”). This version makes a point of going too far with the character exits. There are some advantages, though. The design and direction gives off an impression that there's a deathly stench.
9. MICHAEL HORDERN
Scrooge (1951)
I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen someone do the “Woe Is Me” pose unironically. Then again, maybe it was ironic considering how good the acting is in the movie overall.
8. GOOFY
Hal Smith, Mickey’s Christmas Carol
A surprising choice, but it works somehow. Perhaps it was a comment on how over-the-top this role tends to be. Unfortunately he lacks true remorse. He's momentarily proud of his past selfishness and only seems upset because he's getting punished.
7. SYLVESTER
Joe Alaskey, Bah, Humduck!
A fair choice for this version. I’m not sure what else to day about it.
6. BERNARD LLOYD
A Christmas Carol (1999)
An ok version, but the exaggerated CG mouth drop was pretty cringe. Still, it has the creepiest version of the outside scene.
5. LEW HAYWARD
John Forsythe, Scrooged
A solid interpretation, and probably boasts the best makeup of the bunch.
4. JASON ALEXANDER
A Christmas Carol: The Musical
Jason Alexander doesn’t pass well as a Brit, but this is a fun, energetic performance that boasts the best song in the movie.
3. STATLER AND WALDORF
Jerry Nelson and David Goelz, The Muppet Christmas Carol
It’s a creative hack, but it seems to work. The song is decent, and their spiteful nature is in line with many theological descriptions of the Damned.
2. FRANK FINLAY
A Christmas Carol (1984)
He’s rather hammy, and I think the wide-eyed look is the result of his contact lenses. The chains seem a bit too cartoonishly big, as well. Still, the makeup job is excellent, and for some reason this version works. Perhaps the atmosphere helps.
1. MICHAEL HORDERN
A Christmas Carol(1971)
The animation style succeeds in making him look tortured and terrifying. It’s also the only version, due to the advantages of the traditional animation, to competently pull of the mouth drop.
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